Commuting from Philly to NYC (Willow Grove, Burlington: insurance, neighborhoods, maintenance)

[bobsacamano]

Hey guys, I just graduated 2 years ago. I work IN NYC, have a great job that I dont want to leave. Currently I commute about 2 hours, so I dont really mind that I would have to commute that long in Philly. . I have a ton of friends in the Manayunk area and others on the outskirts of Philly. Ideally I would like a place around 500 a month but in a good location to bars etc. Any recommendations?

I would drive to Trenton and take NJ Transit. Any areas that are about 20-30 mins from Trenton?

Thanks!

[MoorestownResident]

Burlington County, NJ is far easier commuting to NYC.

[pman]

have you considered dumping your car and taking Amtrak?

[bobsacamano]

living outside of Philly I will def need a car though. Amtrak is also like 1100 per month.

[Tone509]

Originally Posted by bobsacamano

Hey guys, I just graduated 2 years ago. I work IN NYC, have a great job that I dont want to leave. Currently I commute about 2 hours, so I dont really mind that I would have to commute that long in Philly. . I have a ton of friends in the Manayunk area and others on the outskirts of Philly. Ideally I would like a place around 500 a month but in a good location to bars etc. Any recommendations?

I would drive to Trenton and take NJ Transit. Any areas that are about 20-30 mins from Trenton?

Thanks!

Unless you're sharing space with one (or more) of your friends, it's highly unlikely that you will find anything available for $500. If you like Manayunk, ask your friends there if they could use a roommate. The nightlife is not quite as good as the various neighborhoods downtown in Center City but at the end of a 2 hour commute, there are worse places for a (presumably) 20something to find themselves at the end of the day. Just be prepared for some tough winter driving as the hilly terrain in Manayunk can be challenging in the snow.

[I'd love to travel]

You could take the R7 from 30th street then get the NJ train . If you move to Manayunk take the train from there to 30th street . A trail pass is $130 a month

[solibs]

It sounds like you're looking to live in the suburbs? That's tough.

As was suggested, anywhere along 295 in Burlington Co. and even down into Camden Co. will put you within 30 minutes of Hamilton Station (you might want to check on the parking situation at the stations).

Also, you could look north of Philly, near Willow Grove, that will put you near the entrance to the PA Turnpike, which connects to the NJ Turnpike at exit 6.

But really, if you add up what you'll be spending on your car - insurance, gas, tolls, maintenance, parking at the train station, and the money a monthly pass on NJTransit will cost you I would gladly pay the $1100 for Amtrak, have a one seat ride, and cut at least 30 minutes off my trip (and be able to sleep en route) - - - not to mention that you should be able to pay for half of it pre-tax through TransitChek.